Amos Kipruto fly Kenyan flag high to win London Marathon
Amos Kipruto has claimed his maiden World Marathon Major title to win the just ended 2022 London Marathon in the British capital in two hours, four minutes and 39 seconds.
He led the pack marking a resounding wig effectively recapturing the title Eliud Kipchoge won last for Kenya in 2019.
“Congratulations to Amos Kipruto on your maiden London Marathon victory. We are proud of you. Well in Joyciline Jepkosgei for finishing second in the Women’s race. Well done.” President William Ruto led Kenyans in congratulating the duo.
“We are very elated to see Kenyan recapture that title. It is very promising for Kenya and Africa at large to set the pace on the global stage. Indeed, as Kipchoge ably taught us, no human is limited.” Athletics enthusiast Lugalia Libwoni said speaking to The Informer shortly after the race ended.
Kipruto’s win comes barely a fortnight since Eliud Kipchoge stole the headlines in Berlin.
Kipruto consistently stayed in the pack for the better part of the race and tactically brushed aside a strong challenge from a sea of Ethiopia athletes in the last seven kilometre.
Ethiopian Leul Gebreselasie came second in 2:05:12 followed by Belgian Abdi Bashir in 2:05:19 as Kenenisa Bekele settled fifth in 2:05:53.
Kipruto was the 2019 World marathon bronze medalist and his win has reclaimed the London Marathon title for Kenya.
In March this year, Kipruto finished second at Tokyo Marathon.
Birhanu Legese also from Ethiopia was sixth in 2:06:11 followed by compatriot and defending champion Sisay Lemma in 2:07:26.
Bekele and Legese exchanged leads at the front covering 10kms in 29:26 and 20km in 59:12 with Amos Kipruto shoulder to shoulder.
Bekele led through halfway with Kipruto right behind in 1:02:14 but it’s Belgian Abdi Bashir who took charge at the 25km in 1:13:41 with Kipruto on toein the leading pack on seven.
